We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Payroll, supporting the Department of Finance at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, home some of the world’s most renowned scientists. As the Director, Payroll, you will drive the strategic design, development, management, implementation and administration of payroll for Scripps Research, a 2K+ FTE organization that encompasses faculty and their multi-state / multi-national scientific research staff and graduate students, as well as Administration personnel. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of building effective, proactive teams who form strong partnerships across the organization, with an eye toward continuous improvement.

• Drive improvements and efficiencies in partnership with HR, Finance, and other departments to establish best-in-class processes for payroll and related programs, including effective internal controls and automation of workflows to enable efficient, accurate, and timely processing of payroll and ensure compliance with related federal, state, and local requirements.
• Expert knowledge of principles, practices, and functions of full-cycle in-house payroll and benefits management, including federal and state regulations and laws governing wage and labor compliance.
• Lead transformation efforts related to payroll, certified payroll, and labor compliance functions by streamlining processes, up to and including ensuring a seamless move to a new payroll platform.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of all relevant federal, state and local tax reporting and deductions, and lead annual payroll tax reconciliation and ensure compliance with filing tax returns and W-2 issuance.
• Serve as primary contact for internal, state and federal payroll audits and subject matter expert for the payroll system platform, certified payroll, and labor compliance.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, building a reputation as an effective collaborator with the ability to influence, facilitate change, and act as thought partner across the organization.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

• 10+ years’ related work experience, preferably in the biotechnology or technology sectors or life sciences academic / research institutions, with track record of growing and managing organizations in fast-paced, fluid environments
• Extensive experience in a multi-state environment required; experience with foreign nationals preferred.
• Experience in certified payroll reporting and project labor compliance at grant / contract organizations strongly preferred
• Proficiency with fundamental accounting / general ledger and reconciliations.
• Adept in ambiguous situations, adaptable to changing priorities while effectively managing multiple commitments, at times on tight deadlines
• Strategic mindset coupled with the ability and willingness to roll up sleeves where necessary and desire to constantly improve the status quo
• Experience building and managing highly collaborative and effective teams supporting multiple organizations / business units, as well as spearheading and shepherding organizational and / or process transformation
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with proven experience in cultivating cross-collaborative working relationships across an organization and ability to influence at all levels
• Track record of building and developing high performing, diverse teams, with a commitment to a culture of collaboration, performance, transparency and integrity
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or similar field